Kolkata A City Of Joy- Complete Travel Guide

Kolkata the “City of Joy” is a brilliant melange of destitute and affluent people. It is a city where you find innumerable people, and it is home to India’s largest population. Kolkata is variegated of variance ideas, life, culture, history, dance, passion, and food. At the heart of every city, are its people. The city of joy is awesome, where you will find the Happy Soul. This city is not modern as Delhi, not proper like Mumbai but it has the grandeur that warms everyone who is willing to find comfort. This joyful and soulful city is vibrant, elevate and friendliest and embrace everyone. The world you will find in the streets of Kolkata. The city has an aura of its own, that you will not find anywhere else. Kolkata is not just city, it is a way of life.

COST OF LIVING

Cost of living in major metropolitan cities are pricey. Cost of living varies considerably from cities to cities. Worried about high rents, higher property price and expensive fond, Kolkata is listed as one of the cheapest cities to live. Kolkata is only Indian city that is affordable to stay. Kolkata is known as the city of the middle class. This is a metropolitan city where all rich and poor can survive. One definite positive thing about the “City of Joy” is that it is also sweet on the pocket. Based on purchasing power, cost of rent, groceries, and education, Kolkata is the cheapest place to live.

MONTHLY EXPENSE

Definitely the monthly expenses are very important aspect, but it varies from person to person depending on their paying capacity. Here you are going to see the common estimate and budget of living.

Expense

Monthly Costs-Lower

Monthly Costs-Upper

Rent

Rs 5000

Rs 12000

Food, Groceries

Rs 1500

Rs 2500

Traveling (Sl Card)

Rs 550 Student Price

Rs 550 (Student Price)

Internet

Nil (Included in Rent)

Rs 150(Not Included in Rent)

Mobile Phone

Rs 50

Rs 150

Toiletries

Rs 100

Rs 300

Stationery

Rs 50

Rs 100

Total Month Expenses

Rs 7, 250

Rs 15, 750

Amount is average (Not 100% accurate)

ACCOMMODATION

It is the evidence of life. It is the need felt at every moment. Accommodation is also not that much expensive compared to other cities. Though it varies area wise. Like 3 BHK apartment situated in a very posh area will definitely have a high price. It is available from 35, 000k to 38, 000k per month. Even 1 BHK will have a rent of 16, 000k/20, 000k per month. If you are looking for rent in the normal area (such as sodepur, DumDum Park) with all the facilities you can avail the flat at 12, 000 even less. Students can get a fully furnished 1BHK house at 5, 000k to 7, 000k per month. So everything is up to your choice. It is still pocket-friendly compare to other metropolitan cities.

TRANSPORT

To understand a city it is very important to use its local transportation. Transport is a glue of our daily lives. Using the public transport is a sign of development. The transport system of Kolkata is a mixture of modern rapid transport and old transport. Kolkata has an extensive network of government CSTC buses and private buses. The fare is very cheaper, just Rs 4 for CSTC buses and little more in private buses. There is also very good taxi services and the cab services have also been introduced. The fare is according to the meter reading. So the fare is Rs 25 for first two km and Rs 12/km.

TRAMS

Kolkata is only the city in India to have the Tram network. Tram is under the administration of Calcutta Tram Way Company. Riding a tram is just gaiety. You will be surprised to know that the fare it is Rs 4.50 irrespective of distance traveled.

METRO RAIL

“India’s first Kolkata Pride” the metro rail. The metro proves to be valuable for people of Kolkata as well as neighboring areas like South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas. The minimum fare is Rs. 5 and maximum is Rs 25. Kolkata metro is the cheapest compared to another State Metro.

RICKSHAWS

You will find rickshaws pulled by men in Kolkata. These rickshaws are for short distances and mainly run on narrow lanes. They don’t stir on main roads. Nowadays cycle rickshaws are also very common transport in many localities. Minimum Fare Rs. 5 and maximum fare Rs. 10.

AUTO RICKSHAW

Auto rickshaws are also becoming a common mode of transport for short distances. They ply between two distinct places of the route only. These are shared Auto and fare is Rs 5 per person.

PORT AND WATER TRANSPORT

The port and water transport is also very common on Kolkata. The twin cities Kolkata and Howrah are connected by the local water ferries. To avoid the heavy traffic people use water transport. They are extremely safe and in a hassle-free manner. Fares are dirt cheap just Rs. 5.

AIRPORT

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is an international Airport located in Kolkata. It is located 17km from the city center. Earlier the Airport was known as Dum Dum Airport. It is spread over an area of 2, 460 acres, and it is “fifth” biggest airport in India. The airport is a major center for flights to Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Southern Asia.

Summary of Transport and Fare

Transport

Minimum fare

Maximum fare

Metro rail

Rs 5

Rs 25

Auto Rickshaw

Rs 5/per person

Rs 10/per person

Tram

Rs 4.50

Rs 10

Rickshaw

Rs 5

R 10

Steamboat

Rs 5/per person

Rs 5/ person

EDUCATION

“Education is an important aspect of our lives. Education is the manifestation of perfection present in man”. Kolkata is an educational city. It attracts a large number of students from all over the country it’s oppressive education institutions. There are many private and state government school all over Kolkata. Fee structures of many leading schools in Kolkata are competitively less than the private school of Delhi and NRC. The city of Kolkata is supported by numerous Universities, educational institutes, and affiliated college. Here are few names of colleges St .Xavier- This is English medium College. It is founded by Catholic religious body in 1890. Courses offered here are:

Top Government Technology and management Colleges:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology and Management Science The university has eight departments in four schools.

Department of Biotechnology & Biological Science

Department of Biotechnology

Department of Bioinformatics

School of engineering and Technology.

Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Department of Information Technology

Department Of Industrial engineering and Management.

Department of Microelectronics and VlSI Technology.

School of Management & Science.

Department of Management

Department Of Natural Science.

Address- BF 142 sector 1, Salt Lake City. Kolkata- 700064

Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology:

Courses offered:

B.Tech (computer science and engineering)

B.Tech (Leather Technology)

M.Tech (Leather Technology)

Address: LB-Block, Sector 3 Salt Lake City Kolkata

INSTITUTE OF JUTE TECHNOLOGY

Courses Offered:

M.Tech (Textile Technology)

PHD (Textile Technology)

Address: 35, Ballygunge, Circular road Kolkata

CARIER SCOPE

There is the huge platform or career scope opportunities in Kolkata if you are in SAS skills {statistical Analysis system} Most of the companies like Accenture, Wipro, Cognizant, HSBC, PWC, TCS, are looking for SAS skill, as they are currently focussing on development and modeling. Many start-ups like Quanta Analytics and other firms have requirements for both SAS skilled fresh students and competent professionals. One of India’s largest private sector companies with diversified presence is based on Kolkata. Here you are going to find few of them: ITC Limited: ITC private sector companies has extent operation in fields of Paper, Tobacco, Food Companies, Auto Accessories, Textile, Furnishing etc. Birla Corporation Limited: This company has interest in cement, Jute goods, PVC goods, Auto trim parts, Iron & Steel casting. Keventer Groups: This Business group is involved in dairy, beverage and real estate & infrastructure sectors. Nicco Groups:Nicco group of companies include Nicco Corporation LTD. This Company makes Cables and does EPC contracting.

FOOD in kolkata

People of Kolkata are known as “Khaddo Roshik” {Foodie Lover} in few words you cannot describe Kolkata’s food. Here people use food to delineate and distinguish occasions. Food is religion and also an art form for Bengalis. Kolkata is a metropolitan city and conceivably the best city in terms of money, food, and living. Here you cannot mind yourself into gluttony the millions of delicious options of unique foods. There are many pocket-friendly restaurants and eateries around the city, where you can easily have good satisfied food on a budget of just Rs 100. The huge variety of food items, high on taste and low in price makes Kolkata food lover’s paradise. Every nook of Kolkata is dotted with magical pocket-friendly food. Here you are going to know few places with amazing foods.

Chitto Babur Dokan (Chitto Babu Shop)

Here for a little pinch of pocket, you will enjoy some finger licking delicacies. This shop is around Dacres Lane. This unassuming eatery is serving fast food. Cuisine type both Vegetarian & Non-vegetarian. Popular Vegetarian cuisine

Ghugni – Rs 10 plate.

Beguni – Rs 5 per piece

Cutlets – Rs 5 per piece.

Bread toast – Rs 13

A whole meal Khichdi Aloo Bhaja – Rs 25.

NON VEGETARIAN CUISINE

Fish fry – Rs 60 plate

Fish roll – Rs 70 plate

Chicken stew – Rs 60 plate

Chicken Pakora – Rs 60 /6 piece

These are few dishes described over here. All the dishes are below Rs 100.

TASTY CORNER

This is a student’s gathering place for breakfast and after school snacks. Here you get hot hing kachori and radha ballavi for Rs 10 and Rs 20 per plate along Aloo Sabzi. Located near South point High School Mandeville Gardens.

KALIKA

Kalika restaurant is best and cheapest for fish roll, kababs, Cutlets. Rs 100 in hand is enough to visit this place. ANADI CABIN This is outstanding legendary eateries of Kolkata. It is in Esplander, and famous for its Fish Kabiraji Cutlet for only Rs 75. Another heavy full meal is delicious Mughlai Paratha with Mutton Kosha just for Rs 100.

SHARMA TEA

This is a well-known place for breakfast and all day snacks. Here kachori and Jalebi are famous along with hot tea. Variety of sweets and snacks you will find here, and all are in your budget. It is a perfect pocket-friendly place. It is at Hazra Road, Ballygunge Kolkata.

DESI BELLY

This is a new eaterie in Kolkata, It is pure vegetarian paradise. Specialist in many vegetarian foods along with their famous tea. A very promising food joint without the pocket pinch. It is at Shambhunath Pandit Street Bhawanipur Kolkata.

INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE

This is an iconic zone for all students, budding political leaders, and intellectuals of Kolkata. The Best and cheapest Veg cutlet, Mutton Chops, Chicken Afghani, and Mutton cutlet you will get here. Here you will find some authentic Foods at a reasonable price:

Nahoum & Sons Jewish Bakery

Here you will get the sweet treat. This place is dwindling Jewish community. Here you will get Home Brownies, Rum balls, Biscuits, Pastries. They are absolutely divine in reasonable price. This is in New Market.

KEWPIES-

This is a place where you will get authentic Bengali meal just like home cooked. Very much pocket-friendly, and served in terracotta utensils. This is in Elgin Lane.

BANANA LEAF

This is a place for Original South Indian foods. Guaranteed to satisfy your needs with delightful breakfast and the full meal. And also filter coffee. Very much pocket-friendly. This is in Lake Market.

PICCAILLY SQUARE-

This place is best for Waffles and cheesecakes in the city. This Cafe is absolutely delightful, the ambiance reminiscent the cafe lining of the street of Paris. This is in Elgin Road.

ECSTASEA

This is a small restaurant for all Seafood lovers. Located in Southern avenue stretch, near Lake Road crossing. This place is moderately priced with very unique foods like Squid fry, Red seafood, Noodles, Pan fried Octopus. Kolkata is known for rich culture, sophisticated people, amazing cuisine, heritage, music, literature. Kolkata is also famous for its sweets. “One look on this alluring sweets, will melt your heart and taste buds”. Here are only few traditional and economic Bengali sweets.

ROSHUGULLA

The soft round cottage cheese ball soaked in sugar syrup.

BHAPA DOI

This is blending Yogurt and condensed milk. With tasteful garnished almonds and pistachios.

MALAI CHOM CHOM

A wonderful golden brown hue and rich dense texture made with cottage cheese and Kesar.

NOLEN GURER PAYESH

it is made with milk, rice, and special” gur” jaggery made out of dates. Made especially in winter.

PATI SHAPTA

It is made of filling of coconut and jaggery, along with thin crepe made of maida, sooji, and rice flour. Difference Between Kolkata and two other Metropolitan cities Mumbai / Delhi Kolkata vs Delhi /Mumbai. The difference in cost of living in Kolkata vs Delhi /Mumbai is notable. It is pretty much expensive in Delhi /Mumbai than Kolkata. Property, Accommodation prices are sky touching / staggering in Mumbai / Delhi. Kolkata Accommodation, property rates are still attainable. Cleanliness: Delhi is far better, Mumbai is also good compare to Kolkata. The domestic help is much cheaper and better in Kolkata than Delhi /Mumbai. Public Transport: Public transport is much cheaper, many modes, more frequent and safer than Delhi/ Mumbai. Variety of foods: Again Kolkata wins as Kolkata offers every Palette in a plate at a cheap price rather than Delhi and Mumbai.

POLITICAL ISSUES-

The political Scenario of Kolkata went under rapid changes. Large-scale communal rioting has given way to localized mob lynching. Communal polarisation in West Bengal reflects the many failures of identity politics. Bandh: Bandh and strike are very common on Kolkata. The Bandh culture is observed in all the strata of the society. Crime: If you go according to National Crime Records Bureau, then Kolkata is much safer compared to other places. The crime rate is very low. Even the crime against women is also very less in Kolkata. So Kolkata is the very safe place to stay.

ENTERTAINMENTS-

Kolkata is a “City of furious Creative Energy”. It is the birthplace of Modern Indian Literature, Cinema, Artistic, and Scholastic thoughts.

LITERATURE-

Kolkata is well known for most celebrated writers of Modern India. Kolkata can be traced to several prominent 19th-century thinkers, writers. The doyens of 19th century Bengali Literature, Socio-cultural, intellectual and artistic pioneers Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the rise of Rabindranath Tagore Contributed in an unsurpassable way.

CINEMA

Kolkata is house of Art Films, Stalwarts like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, are pride of Kolkata.

DRAMA AND THEATRE

The tradition of Jatra “Folk theatres’’ with epic long plays featuring loud music, dramatic props are played outdoor stages. There are many commercial theatres groups.

MUSIC DANCE

SPORTS IN KOLKATA

FOOTBALL

The people of Kolkata are very enthusiastic about Football. Football is the most popular sports in Kolkata. The two most supported teams in the country are based within the city Mohun Bagan and East Bengal both teams play against each other in Kolkata derby. The city is also biggest home to the biggest stadium in India.

EDEN GARDENS

It is the largest Cricket Stadium in India. It hosted most prominent matches. It is the venue of Bengal Cricket Team and the IPL franchise cricket team. With a seating capacity of 66, 349 and second largest cricket stadium in the world. Eden Garden has hosted matches in major international competitions including The World Cup, World Twenty 20 and Asia cup.

Sourav Ganguli

Sourav Chandidas Ganguli: Born 8 July 1972 in Kolkata. He is former Indian cricketer and captain of Indian National team. Currently, he is appointed as President of Cricket Association of Bengal and President of the Editorial Board with Wisden India. Ganguli established himself as one of the world’s leading batsmen in the one-day format. He has earned the nickname God of the offside for his elegant strokeplay square of the wicket and throughout the covers. Sourav Ganguli is efficiently called “Dada “Prince of Kolkata.

NIGHTLIFE

Kolkata is known as the cultural capital of India. The Night Spirit of Youth is too high. Though a midnight curfew was introduced in 2010. So the opening timing is midnight only. Just weekends the time extends up till 2.00am

Here are few places:

SOMEPLACE ELSE

This place is the amazing place for classy evening out. This is the British style pub favorite haunt for Calcuttans. Live music, mostly western rock, great drinks and great finger foods. Timing: Monday to Thursday 4 pm to 12 am. Friday to Sunday 4 pm to 2 am Address: the Park Hotel, 17 Park Street. Kolkata

AQUA

For Lounge Lovers – This is a genius addition to night place by the Park Hotel, it is a poolside Lounge. It can be a place for you to have a weekend outing with delicious finger foods and open-air pool and in-house DJ spin some great music. Address: The Park Hotel, 17 Park Street. Timing: open 12pm to 12am.

THE BRIDGE FlOATEL

This is glorious place where you can propose your woman under the stars. The Floatel, situated in Howrah Jetty, one of the fantastic place to snap pictures and beautiful setting of nature will make your heart sing. Address: Floatel Hotel 9/10 Kolkata Jetty, Strand Road, Dalhousie BBD Bagh Kolkata. Here are some night out places where you can enjoy with your family.

NANDAN

This is a right place if you love Art and Culture. Nandan host a variety of performance like dance, theaters, and music every night of the week. Address: 1/1 AJC Bose Road (Corner Cathedral road)

JAI HIND DHABA

This is a place for the post-party Snacks with family in Kolkata at night. Just, drive down to Jai Hind Dhaba to give “lovely surprise “to your family and treat their taste buds. This place is authentic to have some “char-grilled “Tandoori chicken at 1 am. Timing: 11:30 am to 2 am Address: 41/1a Sarat Bose Road, Near Bhawanipur Kolkata.

LOCAL FESTIVALS in KOLKATA

DURGA PUJA-

Bengalis are famous for a proverb “12 months 13 festivals” celebrations. Durga Puja has also known as Durgotsav an annual festival of Bengalis. Durga Puja is a 10-day event, but the last five days mark the popular practices. Durga Puja omnipresent as an embodiment of power, nourishment, memory, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, wealth, emotion, desire, beauty, righteousness, fulfillment and peace. The primary Goddess revered during Durga Puja is “MAA DURGA”, but her stage and celebrations feature other major deities of Hinduism such as Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati, God Ganesha and Kartikeya.

DHUNUCHI NAACH(DANCE)

It is customary to light a “Dhunuchi” ie {clay pot filled with copra (dried coconut husk)} and other ingredients to generate smoke. Young and old joint hands in dance and merriment on Ashtami puja.

VIJAYA DASHMI-

Vijaya Dashami is also known as Dusshera. It is marked as Durga’s victory over the Buffalo demon Mahisasur.

SINDOOR KHELA

This is “Vermillion game “is a Bengali Hindu tradition, where women smear each other with sindoor on Vijayadashami. On the day of Vijayadashami after the conclusion of the ritual worships, married Bengali Hindu women apply sindoor on the forehead and feet of Goddess Durga and offer sweets. Then they put sindoor on each other’s face and offer sweets to each other. Lastly I can say that the cost of living is not dependent on market pricing, but it is an average calculated expenditure of people which indirectly impact the cost of living. Managing a budget is an art. Kolkata is a wonderful place to live.

I am Sudhir Gupta. I was born in Jharkhand but now settled in Mumbai, India. I am an MBA graduate with 6+ year awesome experience in Software Development. Also, I am a novelist. (check out my best Novel “Laila” published by Ayush Publications Jaipur).

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